Urayur

Urayur (Currently in Tiruchirappalli) was the capital of the early Cholas from before the first century CE until the dynasty was revived by Vijayalaya Chola c. 850CE. The Cholas were one of the three great Tamil dynasties (Cheras and Pandyas being the other two) who ruled over the Tamil country in South India from early antiquity. Urayur was located near the town of Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu.

The word "Urayur" in Tamil literally means "the residence". Urayur was an ancient Chola city with a fortress and city wall on the southern banks of river Kaveri. The Imperial Cholas of the 9th century CE and later made Tanjavur as their capital. Urayur slowly lost its place in the Chola administration.

This place is also known as Thirukkozhi / Nikalaapuri / Uranthai. The famous temples like Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple,Panchaverneswara temple,Vekkaliamman temple,Naachiyaar Amman Temple are situated here.

References

* Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1935). The CōĻas, University of Madras, Madras (Reprinted 1984).